News : Weather advisory: NWS says 3-6 inches of snow possible; VS schools dismiss 3 hours early

Benton County is in the area where the snow is predicted to be among the heaviest from the most recent winter storm to pass through the area. The National Weather Service says three to six inches of snow are expected in the area beginning late this morning and continuing until evening. Many schools in eastern Iowa, including Vinton-Shellsburg, planned 3-hour early dismissals due to the incoming storm. Read the advisory below:

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
400 AM CST Mon Feb 5 2018

...Accumulating snow late this morning into this evening...

.A storm system will bring snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches
to the region. The snow should enter eastern Iowa by late morning
and then spread eastward into northwest and western Illinois early
this afternoon. Very cold temperatures in the teens to lower 20s
will allow the snow to quickly accumulate and cause snow covered
roads and hazardous driving. Visibilities will be frequently less
than a mile in the heavier snowfall.

IAZ040-041-051-052-063-064-076-077-087-098-051800-
/O.EXT.KDVN.WW.Y.0005.180205T1600Z-180206T0100Z/
Buchanan-Delaware-Benton-Linn-Iowa-Johnson-Keokuk-Washington-
Jefferson-Van Buren-
Including the cities of Independence, Manchester, Vinton,
Cedar Rapids, Marengo, Iowa City, Sigourney, Washington,
Fairfield, and Keosauqua
400 AM CST Mon Feb 5 2018

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING
TO 7 PM CST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow, moderate at times, from late morning through
  afternoon. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Iowa, northeast Iowa and
  southeast Iowa.

* WHEN...10 AM to 7 PM today.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions and reduced
  visibilities at times, impacting the after school drive and
  evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
For the latest road conditions in your area, contact your local
or state Department of Transportation.